Recreation Ponds
We Design & Build The Best Recreation Ponds
Transform Your Backyard with a Custom Recreation Pond
Imagine having a natural swimming oasis right in your backyard—a place to relax, cool off, and enjoy the beauty of nature without the chemicals of a traditional pool. At Garden Ponds Unlimited®, we specialize in designing and constructing recreation ponds that combine the aesthetic appeal of a natural water feature with the functionality of a swimming pool. Our recreation ponds are carefully designed to provide a safe, beautiful, sustainable, and eco-friendly environment for you and your family to enjoy.
A recreation pond is more than just a place to swim; it’s a fully integrated ecosystem that enhances your outdoor space. Complete with crystal-clear water, natural filtration systems, and stunning aquatic plants, these ponds offer a unique way to connect with nature while creating a striking focal point for your landscape. Whether you envision a tranquil retreat for relaxation or a fun gathering spot for friends and family, we can design a pond that suits your lifestyle and complements your property.
With years of experience and a passion for building breathtaking water features, Garden Ponds Unlimited® is your trusted partner for recreation pond construction. From concept to completion, our team works closely with you to bring your vision to life, using high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure durability and beauty. Let us create a recreation pond that transforms your backyard into an inviting paradise.
Garden Ponds Unlimited® is a recreational pond builder based in Moore, OK, serving homeowners throughout the entire state of Oklahoma including Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Norman, Mustang, Yukon, The Village, Bethany, Choctaw, Arcadia, Newcastle, Shawnee, and surrounding areas. We specialize in designing and constructing breathtaking recreational ponds that combine natural beauty with the functionality of a swimming space. Whether you’re looking to create a serene swimming retreat or an eco-friendly pond for family gatherings, or both! Our team has the expertise and creativity to bring your vision to life and transform your outdoor space.
Check Out This Recreation Pond
What Our Pond Clients Say...
Just had my pond clean out done, they were very careful with my fish, gave me a free owners manual, and tips on how to better care for my fish! My pond looks amazing! Thanks to them!
I was a little bit weary of using Garden ponds unlimited for my clean out because they charge by the hour instead with a bid like the other Pond companies. but in the end it was cheaper and just as good of a job
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Recreation Pond?
Building a recreation pond in Oklahoma is an investment that combines natural beauty with functionality, providing a chemical-free swimming experience and a stunning outdoor feature. At a high level view, costs typically range from $50,000 to $100,000+, depending on the scope, design, and site-specific factors.
There are generally three categories our recreation pond clients will fall into. Those building a recreation pond from scratch, those expanding or modifying an existing pond into a recreation pond, and those who are looking to convert an existing swimming pool into a more natural swimming pond.
Here's a breakdown of what goes into building a recreation pond and how costs may vary depending on what we're doing:
Creating a Recreation Pond from Scratch
Building a recreation pond from scratch provides the most flexibility in design but involves significant work. This process includes full excavation, installing advanced filtration systems, and incorporating custom features such as sandy beaches, waterfalls, or surrounding landscaping. Larger properties allow for expansive designs, while smaller spaces may require creative solutions to maximize usability. Costs for building a recreation pond from scratch typically range from $50,000 to $100,000+. Access issues, such as limited space for excavation equipment, can add to labor and material delivery costs.
Converting an Existing Pond to a Recreation Pond
Transforming an existing pond into a recreation pond can be a more cost-effective option. This process often includes upgrading filtration systems, reshaping the pond to include distinct swimming and filtration zones, and adding natural features like aquatic plants and rock formations. The cost for this type of conversion typically falls between $35,000 and $70,000, depending on the condition of the existing pond and the extent of the modifications required. Issues such as leaks or structural weaknesses may increase costs.
Converting an Existing Swimming Pool to a Recreation Pond
Converting a traditional swimming pool into a recreation pond offers a unique way to blend natural aesthetics with an existing structure. This involves retrofitting the pool with biological filtration systems, introducing aquatic plants, and landscaping around the pool to create a natural look. Costs for pool-to-pond conversions generally range from $40,000 to $85,000, with expenses influenced by the pool’s size, current condition, and the extent of the changes needed. While conversions save on excavation, structural limitations may impact design options.
Additional Considerations
When building or converting a recreation pond in Oklahoma, site-specific factors like access and space, can significantly impact costs. Limited access for equipment or challenging ground conditions may increase labor costs, while customization options like waterfalls or intricate landscaping add to the overall expense.
Whether starting from scratch, converting a pond, or transforming a pool, Garden Ponds Unlimited can create the perfect recreation pond for your space. Contact us for a consultation and estimate today.
Extra Large Custom Pond
We are capable of building ponds of any size! Whether it's a zoo exhibit that requires a very specific type of eco-system or a dramatic and beautiful entrance to your private or commercial property, we can design and build whatever you wish!
Cost $35k-$100k+
Depending On Size and Scope
What's The Difference Between
a Regular Pond & a Recreational Pond?
When deciding to add a water feature to your outdoor space, it’s essential to understand the key differences between a regular pond and a recreational pond. While both offer beauty and tranquility, their purposes, designs, and functionality vary significantly. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Purpose and Functionality
Regular Pond: Regular ponds are designed primarily for aesthetic and ecological purposes. They often serve as a visual focal point, creating a peaceful environment for relaxation and contemplation. These ponds typically feature koi or goldfish, aquatic plants, and decorative elements like waterfalls to enhance their beauty. Regular ponds are not intended for human interaction beyond enjoying the view.
Recreational Pond: Recreational ponds are built with human interaction in mind. They combine the natural beauty of a pond with the functionality of a swimming pool, allowing you to swim, wade, or relax in a chemical-free, eco-friendly environment. These ponds are ideal for homeowners who want a natural swimming experience while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a water feature.
Design and Construction
Regular Pond Design: Regular ponds are typically shallow and smaller in size, focusing on supporting aquatic life and creating a balanced ecosystem. They often include areas for aquatic plants, fish habitats, and decorative features to enhance their natural look. The filtration systems in regular ponds are designed to maintain water clarity and health for fish and plants.
Recreational Pond Design: Recreational ponds are larger and more complex, designed to accommodate both swimmers and aquatic life. They feature separate zones—shallow areas for lounging and deeper sections for swimming. Advanced filtration systems, such as biological filters and constructed wetlands, are essential to keep the water clean and safe for human use. Recreational ponds often include naturalistic designs with sandy beaches, rock formations, and lush landscaping to create a seamless blend with the surrounding environment.
Maintenance Requirements
Regular Pond Maintenance: Maintaining a regular pond involves periodic cleaning, debris removal, and monitoring water quality to ensure a healthy environment for fish and plants. Beneficial bacteria, skimmers, and UV clarifiers are commonly used to prevent algae growth and maintain clarity.
Recreational Pond Maintenance: Recreational ponds require more comprehensive maintenance to ensure water quality is safe for swimming. This includes regular testing of pH levels, oxygenation, and filtration performance. Additional care is often needed to manage the plant-based filtration zones and ensure debris doesn’t compromise the swimming areas. While maintenance may be more involved, the natural systems used in recreational ponds reduce the need for harsh chemicals.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between a regular pond and a recreational pond depends on your goals for your outdoor space. If you want a low-maintenance, ornamental feature to admire, a regular pond may be the perfect choice. However, if you dream of an eco-friendly swimming retreat that doubles as a beautiful water feature, a recreational pond offers the best of both worlds.
At Garden Ponds Unlimited®, we specialize in designing and constructing both types of ponds to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you envision a tranquil koi pond or a custom recreational pond, our team has the expertise to get your Pond's Done Right The First Time!
To schedule an estimate for your pond building project please call (405) 799-7663 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.
Our Koi Pond Construction Process
At Garden Ponds Unlimited®, we follow a proven six-step process to ensure your recreation pond is expertly designed and built to last as a thriving, low-maintenance eco-system.
We start with a consultation to discuss your vision, preferences, and budget.
Your recreational pond design will be carefully outlined in your yard using painted guidelines, giving you a clear visual representation of its size, shape, and placement before construction begins. This step allows you to see exactly how your new recreational pond will integrate into your landscape, ensuring the layout complements your outdoor space. It also provides an opportunity to make any adjustments before excavation starts, so you can feel confident that your pond will be positioned exactly how you envision it.
Once the design is finalized, we excavate and prepare the site with precision. This step includes digging, grading, leveling, and shaping the pond area to create the desired look and to ensure proper water flow if there is a stream or waterfall incorporated.
We install the pond liner, skimmer or bog skimmer, filtration system, pump, and other necessary components to ensure your pond functions flawlessly. Lights, if purchased, will be installed with strategic placement of each light. Rocks, gravel, driftwood (if purchased), and other natural enhancements are carefully placed to create a visually stunning and natural-looking environment, while also providing structure and shelter for aquatic life.
Once the structure is complete, we fill the pond with water and treated with our Garden Ponds Unlimited Dechlorinator to create the perfect conditions for plants and fish. We ensure the filtration system is operating correctly and all components are working smoothly. Aquatic plants are strategically placed, and koi or other fish can be added to establish a thriving, balanced ecosystem.
In the final step, we add the finishing touches, such as finishing the surrounding landscaping, or adding additional decorative features. Our team then provides a detailed walkthrough and provide you with our client owners manual, ensuring you know how to maintain your new pond and enjoy it for years to come.
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